Tumor Markers for Periampullary Mass

Introduction to Tumor Markers

• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that tumor markers should not be used as standalone diagnostic tools but rather as adjuncts to imaging and tissue diagnosis for periampullary carcinoma 1

Diagnostic Approach

• For patients with suspected periampullary mass, the European Society for Medical Oncology suggests that abdominal ultrasound remains the most useful initial investigation, with a sensitivity of 80-95%, and tumor markers should not be relied upon alone without imaging 1
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network advises against delaying tissue diagnosis in resectable disease, and recommends avoiding transperitoneal FNA due to peritoneal seeding risk 1, 2